Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758

Global Range: (>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)) BREEDS: Alaska, Mackenzie Delta, southern Keewatin, and Maine south to southern California, Mexico, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Has expanded range in eastern North America (especially in the north) in recent decades (see Heusmann 1991 for a detailed account of status in the Atlantic Flyway). WINTERS: southern Alaska and southern Canada to southern U.S., Mexico, Cuba, occasionally Hawaii (AOU 1983). Half or more of the Mississippi Flyway's 3.2 million mallards winter in the lower Mississippi Valley, from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to the Gulf of Mexico. Also occurs in the Palearctic. Many semiferal populations exist. Availablity of grain allows wintering north of pre-settlement range; now rare in Central America.

The Mallard is the most recognizable species of waterfowl, often being the only species of duck present in ponds and small streams near cities and towns. This large duck is about 20 to 24 inches long with an oval-shaped body and short tail. Males are splotchy brown and tan with a green head and yellow bill, while females are speckled brown and tan with a dull brown bill. Both sexes have orange legs and a blue diamond on the wings. The Mallard is common across North America and Eurasia. This species may be found from the Arctic Circle south to the tropics. While some Mallard populations migrate between separate breeding and wintering grounds, many populations living in human-altered environments are non-migratory. Mallards are usually found in and around rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds. They eat a variety of foods, including insects, snails, and grains. Mallards are often present in large numbers where ducks are fed by humans. Mallards are often found floating on the water’s surface, occasionally dabbling (submerging their head and chest while their legs and tail stick out of the water) to find food. These ducks are also capable of taking off directly from the water. They may also be found on land, where they may be observed walking, or in the air, where they may be observed making swift and direct flights between bodies of water. They are most active during the day.

Threat Status: Least concern

Occurs in almost every type of lowland wetland, including village ponds, lakes, and flood water (4). They tolerate the presence of humans, and are therefore found in parks, and rivers and streams in towns (3).

Mallards are an important game bird. The money generated by duck hunting license fees pays for the management of Mallard populations, and those of other ducks, and is used to protect important habitats. Also, money spent on hunting equipment is a significant addition to the economy.

Positive Impacts: food